Data Analysis: Germany vs Czech Republic 5:10 – 02.12.2018

Excitement before the first Czech match was high and nothing than easy win was expected against the challenger from Germany. Germany did not let home team lead until minute 36 when Benes scored go ahead goal to 4-3. Let´s have a look at the game that ended with 10-5 win for Czech Republic from data perspective, shall we? Other than energetic performance from Germany and nervous start from the Czech side there was one big contributor for first half of the match surprise. The luck or bad luck if you like.

Don´t get it wrong, Germany had very solid start to the game, especially in the first period. Leading 2-1 after first 20 was still rather lucky though. Germany was able to produce one more odd man rush than Czech side (2-1) and tried to play quick (17-8 on quick attacks) in period 1. Still Czech Republic created more *clear path opportunities (1-8).

Similar trend continued with one relevant aspect. German offensive activity deteriorated (3-17 on shot attempts in period 2) and Czech pressure was too much. Home country continued to create clear path opportunities and started converting them. Look at following graph summarizing numbers of different possession types in the game at even strength for both teams.

Germany was able to outnumber its opponent in odd man rush situations (10-4 and 1-0 on goals scored). Czechs elected rather slow attacks than rushing offensive plays and it paid off (36-80 advantage and 1-6 in goals scored).

Next two possession types resulted in paradox. Germany had more quick attacks (36-27) but was outscored 0-3 in these situations. Lastly, more turnover possessions went to Czechs (7-14) but scoring from them was only Germany (3-0).

When we look at clear path opportunities in the game the home team recorded great advantage over the opponent (23-6) and outscored them 5-2. That is where they turned the game on their side.

We can look closer on players and visualize abilities of creating and suppressing clear path and odd man rush opportunities.

Interestingly all Czech players ended up with negative odd man rush differentials. Especially second German line (Weigelt, Schuschwary, Burmeister, Borth, Herlt) was able to generate good differential in that regard. On the other hand, it was them who recorded the worst clear path differentials overall. From Czech side both first two lines recorded very positive clear path differentials.

Not surprisingly, it was Czechs who recorded the most shot attempts in the game. Let´s reveal which players were responsible for finishing activity.

Doza recorded the most assists at even strength (8) followed by Benes and Kisugite (both 6). Ondrusek led with the most shot attempts (10) followed by again Benes (7). From Germany there are two players who liked to finish plays. Niklas Broker had 4 shot attempts and 5 assists, Von Pritzbuer recorded 4+4 in the same category.

Can Germany convert even more odd man rushes (similarly to following GIF) and remain dangerous against Switzerland in the next game?

EXAMPLE 1: Using opponent´s forecheck to create 3 on 2 situation.

And will be Czech Republic able to create big enough advantage in clear path opportunities (GIF below) to beat Latvia? Sunday will answer.

EXAMPLE 2: Langer (no. 9) using space to his advantage.

*Clear path is a situation in which offensive player is located in dangerous area in front of the net, there is no defender between him and goalie and a real chance for this player to receive ball exists.

                                                                                                         By Petr Malina